LETTER TO MOCA

This letter comes to you amid rumors of uncertainty surrounding the show A New Sculpturalism: Contemporary Architecture from Southern California. As we fast approach the inauguration date and exhibitors are hard at work preparing their material, great expectations loom large. A greater outlook on the subject is needed so we can rid the atmosphere of uncertainty.

Undoubtedly, our unique global epoch has crystallized a new architectural universe with Los Angeles positioned at its forefronts. Aptly named “the edge of the world”, Los Angeles has demonstrated more intensity than most other global nodes in the race towards otherness in architectural space exploration. Evidently, avant architecture has been one of our most important cultural exports in the last twenty-five years.

The announcement of MOCA’s important endeavor to finally create a portal for the public to access this intriguing world created enthusiasm not only among the manifold architectural practices in the exhibition, but the public as well. The show is quite possibly the most important exhibition among the many curated under the Pacific Standard Time umbrella, as it is to provide a front for the emergent architecture in Southern California rather than the familiar historical or subjective curatorial discourse. This unique opportunity was fully embraced by most of the participating firms in the exhibition, which despite the scarcity of funding have spent significant time and personal resources in a rare move to support the materialization of the exhibition.

The cultural and educational significance of this exhibition certainly outweighs any hindrance surrounding it, and it is only appropriate to find opportunities in those imperfect frontiers. This important educational dialogue between progressive architecture on one hand and the market on the other shall persist as an actor for change. We should be optimistic that this small perturbation can cause large and lasting effects not only for the future of our community, but the fabric of the built environment as a whole.

We respectfully urge you to champion this mission to its resolution and ensure you that the support of the undersigned for this exhibition is unwavering.